bilingualweekly

VA Launches Hotline to Answer Questions on VA Health Care and Benefits for Women Veterans

1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636)

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new hotline — 1-855-VA-WOMEN — to receive and respond to questions from Veterans, their families and caregivers about the many VA services and resources available to women Veterans. The service began accepting calls on April 23, 2013.

“Some women Veterans may not know about high-quality VA care and services available to them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The hotline will allow us to field their questions and provide critical information about the latest enhancements in VA services.” Continue reading »

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

I-5/French Camp Road Interchange Reconstruction

(Stockton, CA)—Beginning today, April 25, 2013, to accommodate work required for reconstruction of the Interstate 5/ French Camp Road Interchange, the inside #1 lane on the northbound off-ramp at the interchange and the inside #1 lane on the southbound off-ramp will be closed indefinitely. At least one lane at each off-ramp will be open at all times.

This work is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction-related issues.

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Slow for the Cone Zone.

Ca Monthly State Cash Balance

SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang today released his monthly report covering California’s cash balance, receipts and disbursements in October 2012, showing that total revenues were $207.9 million above (4.4 percent) projections contained in the 2012-13 State budget.

“October’s numbers were positive, due in large part to strong income tax receipts,” said Chiang. “More importantly, total year-to-date revenue is spot-on with the budget’s projection.”

Personal income taxes in the month of October rose $378.4 million above (10.6 percent) projections, while sales taxes also were up by $28.8 million (4.4 percent) relative to projections. Corporate taxes were down for the month, coming in $131.3 million below (47 percent) projections.

The State ended the last fiscal year with a cash deficit of $9.6 billion. As of October 31, that cash deficit totaled $24.7 billion, and is being covered with $14.7 billion of internal borrowing (temporary loans from special funds), and $10 billion of external borrowing.

For more details on today’s report, read October 2012′s financial statement and summary analysis.

USCIS to Host Naturalization Information Session Will Showcase Civics, Citizenship and Other Products and Services

NATOMAS, Calif. — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will host a free, two-and-a-half-hour information session at the North Natomas Library on Nov. 13. The session is part of a larger USCIS initiative to help immigrants better understand the naturalization process, including the content of the naturalization test, and become familiar with free educational resources and materials available from the agency.

The public is invited, and USCIS officers will be on hand to discuss the naturalization process step-by-step and provide information about eligibility and residency requirements, application forms, fees, the background security check and processing times. They will demonstrate the citizenship interview and answer questions about it. Participants will also see sample questions from the citizenship test and receive an overview of U.S. history and civic principles. Free educational materials will be handed out while supplies last.

This one’s coming right up. I’m hoping for a long-weekend broadcast mention, or for a few inches in print so everyone will know that this valuable and fun workshop is available. Your immigrant media audience will thank you, and so will we.

WHAT:
Citizenship information workshop

WHEN:

Nov. 13, 6 p.m.
WHERE:
North Natomas Library
4660 Via Ingoglia
Sacramento, CA 95835

CONTACT:
Sharon Rummery (415)987-0191

ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSOCIATION (APAPA) CONGRATULATES NEW & RE-ELECTED API MEMBERS

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs
Association (APAPA) congratulated and welcomed the following new API members to office on November 9, 2012.

Rob Bonta – CA State Assembly, District 18
Phil Ting – CA State Assembly, District 19
Ed Chau – CA State Assembly, District 49
Al Muratsuchi – CA State Assembly, District 66

APAPA also congratulated the following API members on their re-election:

Mariko Yamada – CA State Assembly, District 4
Richard Pan – CA State Assembly, District 9
Paul Fong – CA State Assembly, District 28
Das Williams – CA State Assembly, District 37

For live election results or for more information, please visit:

http://www.elections.saccounty.net/ElectionInformation/SAC_VRE_DF_left

http://www.sacbee.com/electionresults/

http://vote.sos.ca.gov/

RICKY GILL CONCEDES, CONGRATULATES OPPONENT

STOCKTON, CA, November 7, 2012 – Congressional candidate Ricky Gill made the following statement after conceding to his opponent, Congressman Jerry McNerney:

“Tonight, I called Congressman McNerney to congratulate him on his victory. I extended my best wishes to the Congressman and his family, and I expressed my willingness to act as a resource and to help him serve this community in any manner possible.

I am enormously proud of the campaign we ran, and I am humbled by the tireless efforts of the many volunteers, neighbors, and supporters who threw their efforts behind it. Although we did not emerge victorious in this campaign, I believe we accomplished something extraordinary. We put this community and its people first, and we took our story to the national stage. We fought for jobs, education, and common-sense government. We made clear that the American Dream will rise once again in this community we love so dearly.

As this campaign closes, I encourage all residents of the 9th District to come together and work towards the bipartisan, lasting reforms this country so badly needs. I wish Congressman McNerney the best, and I congratulate him on a hard-fought victory. “

—
Information provided by Ricky Gill for Congresd

San Joaquin County Election Results

Unofficial Final Results

Updated : Berryhill with 51% district wide Cathleen Galgiani 49% district wide

President:
Preliminary results for election show that President Barack Obama takes the lead in San Joaquin County.

US Senator:
Dianne Fiensteine at 61.05% versus Elizabeth Emkin at 38.06%

US Rep 9th District:
Jerry Mcnerney 54.01 % versus
Ricky Gill 45.09%

US Rep 10th District:
Jeff Denham 53.08% versus
Jose Hernandez 46.02%

Senate 5th District:
Bill Berryhill 51%% versus
Cathleen Galgiani 49%

9th Assembly District:
Antonio Amador 42.07% versus
Richard Pan 57.03%

12th Assembly District:
Kristin Olsen 61.04%versus
Christopher Mateo 38.06%

13th Assembly District:
Susan Eggman 63.05% Versus
K. Jeffery Jaffri 36.05%

Stockton Mayor:
Anthony Silva 55.05% versus
Ann Johnston 44.50%

Stockton City Council Dis. 2:
Randy Hatch 41.88% versus
Kathy Miller 58.12%

Stockton City Council Dis 4:
Diana Lowery 50.05 %versus
Moses Zapien 49.95%

Stockton City Council Dis 6:
Michael Tubbs 58.47%
Dale Fritchen 41.53%

Ballot Measures:

Yes on 30
Temporary tax to find education

No on 31
State budget, state and local gov.

No on 32
Payroll deduction for political candidates

No on 33
Driver insurance based on driving history

No on 35
Death Penalty

Yes on 35
Human trafficking

Yes on 36
Three strikes law

No on 37
Three strikes law

No on 38
Tax for early childhood education

Yes on 39
Business tax for energy funding

Yes on 50
Redistributing senate

- Results may change as ballots are counted

PG&E TO SEND MORE THAN 150 ELECTRIC PERSONNEL TO NEW YORK TO HELP RESTORE POWER IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE SANDY

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced today that it is sending more than 150 employees to New York to help restore power in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Crews from all over PG&E’s Northern and Central California service area will depart from Sacramento within the next couple of days.

“Providing support to other utilities throughout the nation during major natural disasters is one of the hallmarks of PG&E and the electric utility industry,” said Geisha Williams, executive vice president of electric operations. “The men and women of PG&E are proud to help restore power to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, who are expected to experience widespread and long-term outages. We pulled crews from throughout our service area so that we can continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable electric service to our customers here in California while also providing critical restoration assistance in New York.”

Many utility companies in the storm’s projected path are calling upon extra workers and resources from across the country through the industry’s Mutual Aid Network. PG&E is part of the network of U.S. utilities that call on one another to assist in power restoration efforts after major events like hurricanes, winter storms and wildfires.

PG&E has coordinated with Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies, and the Mutual Aid Network to determine where its assistance would be most beneficial. PG&E resources will assist Con Edison in New York City and Westchester County.

PG&E will send overhead and underground maintenance and construction crews, electric first responders who determine the cause of an outage and how best to restore power, and damage assessment personnel. The utility will also send logistics support and field safety personnel.

As many as 10 states along the Eastern Seaboard — Virginia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, as well as Washington, DC, — have declared states of emergency. Additionally, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Connecticut have announced evacuations in certain parts of their states.

—-

Information provided by PG&E

Lower Sacramento Road Underpass to Open Tomorrow After Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Stockton, CA —Members of the public are invited to join the City of Stockton in celebrating the opening of the underpass on Lower Sacramento Road at Whistler Way/Grider Way. Stockton Mayor Ann Johnston and Councilmember Elbert Holman; Steve Dial, Deputy Executive Director/Chief Finance Officer, San Joaquin Council of Governments; San Joaquin County Supervisor Ken Vogel; and other local dignitaries will be present to join in the celebration.

Opening ceremonies will be held tomorrow, Thursday, November 1, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. on the south side of the underpass at Whistler Way/Grider Way. Immediately following the ceremony, Lower Sacramento Road will be open to vehicular traffic.

The new railroad bridge crossing and underpass has been designed to accommodate the ultimate width of Lower Sacramento Road according to the City’s General Plan. The new underpass improves safety to vehicles traveling on Lower Sacramento Road and allows emergency responders and other vehicles to cross under the railroad tracks unimpeded.

Project partners include area residents and businesses, San Joaquin Council of Governments, San Joaquin County, California Department of Transportation, California Transportation Commission, and Union Pacific Railroad. RGW Construction, Inc. is the contractor. Construction management is being provided by the City of Stockton and PSOMAS.

The project was designed by Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. and includes public art elements by Vicki Scuri, VS SiteWorks.

The Lower Sacramento Road underpass is part of the $50 million North Stockton Railroad Grade Separations Project which also includes two overcrossings: Eight Mile Road/Union Pacific Railroad (West) Bridge Overcrossing and Eight Mile Road/Union Pacific (East) Bridge Overcrossing. The Project is funded by Measure K (the voter-approved, half-cent sales tax), California Proposition 1B bonds, State-Local Partnership Program, and the Union Pacific Railroad. City of Stockton General Funds have not been used in constructing this project.

Annual Holiday Ballet Folklorico “Posada Navideña”; Set for December 2 at Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Ar ts

Sacramento, CA – Continuing in a grand tradition,Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento announces the annual holiday, “Posada Navideña” set for Sunday, December 2 at The Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, CA.

Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento presents a festival of vibrant sound and shimmering colors in this special Mexican Christmas production. Featuring 30 dancers and live musicians, this south-of-the-border celebration includes a traditional Christmas processional (posada), Mexican holiday songs (villancicos), a visit from the Three Wise Men, a festive piñata scene and a vibrant holiday finale performed in the spirit of a true fiesta. In addition

to its seasonal flavor, “Posada Navideña” provides a whirlwind tour of Mexico’s many distinct cultural regions, from Veracruz to

Guerrero to Jalisco, all with live musical accompaniment. And, a brand new piece, "Yucatan- Fiesta del pueblo!," choreographed by CMBA guest artist

David Lopez-Mancilla, will debut this holiday season.

Watch a short preview of the Posada here:

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Gallo Center for the Arts

Mary Stuart Rogers Theater

1000 I Street
Modesto, CA 95354

3 pm

$10-$40

Tickets available now : www.galloarts.org

CMBA HISTORY:

In the beginning in 1994, founder and Executive Director Yolanda Colosio, began teaching traditional folk dances of Mexico to about 20 students. She brought fabrics, buttons and decorative notions back from her homeland trips and custom-created all (and still does) the many regional costumes by hand.

Her students’ small group performances quickly found an audience. They became regulars at regional fairs and holiday celebrations. The school attracted more students, exceptional ones, and so a professional dance company was born. In 1998, a youngenergeticprofessional dancer/ choreographer, Steven Valencia, was brought in as Artistic Director.The name changed to Instituto Mazatlán Bellas Artes for the school and Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artesfor the professional company. Along with the growing acclaim, were performances at prestigious venues, bigger audiences.

Since 2000, CMBA has toured throughout California and the southwest as well as in China and Mexico, winning national and international competitions.

In the spring, they will be traveling to perform at the 2013 International Folk Festival in Tennessee. The faculty have impressive performance backgroundsand have danced with many of the most prestigious companies in the Mexico, including Ballet Folklórico de Mexico, La Universidad de Guadalajara,

La Universidad de Colima, Instituto National de Bellas Artes (Campeche), and the Sacramento Ballet.

"Instituto Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento has long been established in our region and around California as one of the most authentic and committed of Mexican folkloric dance companies," said Mondavi Center Executive Director Don Roth of their 2008 performance there.

Cultural affirmation through folklórico is an important notion for Valencia, one of ten Californians to receive The 2011 Maestro Award from The Latino Arts Network of California. The Latino Arts Network (LAN) partnered with the California Arts Council to "identify and honor individuals who are masters of cultural practice who have demonstrated a commitment to community-based work and who have distinguished themselves as Masters in their field."

In late 2011, the sister school to the professional company, Instituto Mazatlán Bellas Artes, realized a dream with the opening of a brand new dance center “Studio 4300”at 4300 Stockton Blvd in Sacramento where they champion “A New Space to Dance. A New Space to Teach. Open to All Forms of Dance & Performing Arts.” The School of Dance educates students interested in Mexican folklore, teaches the fundamentals of dance, and trains students to become performing artists, offerings classes for all ages and levels from all different backgrounds. IMBA’s attention to developing social responsibility within the community is visible in its ongoing scholarship program.

Celebrating Chávez Monument, But Where Are Farm Workers Now?

New America Media, Video, Ivan Delgado, Aurora Saldivar, Johnny Flores, Posted: Oct 11, 2012

KEENE, Calif. — On October 8, 2012, over 6,000 people descended upon Villa La Paz — the home, operational headquarters and final resting place of civil rights and labor leader César Chávez — for President Barack Obama’s dedication of the César Chávez National Monument. They came from throughout the country to see this 187-acre property in the foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains take its place among national monuments such as the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon.

Although the dedication was celebratory in tone, many in attendance acknowledged that the dreams Chávez had for farm workers — such as fair wages, safe working conditions, job protection, dignity and respect — have not been entirely fulfilled.

Estimates put the number of seasonal and migrant farm workers in the United States at more than 3 million, and while farm workers form the backbone of a national agriculture industry that is projected to generate more than $222 billion in crop sales in 2012 alone, many of those who toil in the fields — more than four decades after the formation of the UFW — continue to live an impoverished life in the shadows of society, collecting low hourly wages and sometimes paid by the piece, or amount, of produce they can harvest.

As recently as 2009, 23 percent of farm worker families were found to have a total household income below the national poverty guidline.

Sub-standard housing continues to be a chronic issue for farm workers, in particular migrant workers who travel to keep up with regional crop harvests. In a 2007 survey conducted among migrant workers based in the Coachella Valley, 30 percent of workers surveyed reported living in housing "not meant for human habitation" — camping outdoors, living out of their automobiles or converted, overcrowded garage spaces.

Despite the obvious challenges that remain, the unveiling of the the Chávez National Monument in Keene and the emotional response of those who bore witness to it, were a reminder that the hopeful spirit embodied in the UFW rallying cry, sí se puede (yes, it can be done), remains present in the hearts and minds of many Californians.

The slideshow was produced by youth reporters from Coachella Unincorporated, a community and youth-led news outlet founded by New America Media to serve residents of the Eastern Coachella Valley, the fifth largest agriculture producing region in the nation and home to many farm worker families. Coachella Unincorporated is supported by a grant from The California Endowment.

Stockton Traffic Advisory: Brookside, Swain and River Roads Under I-5

STOCKTON, CA – Caltrans would like to update drivers on the closures at Brookside, Swain and River Roads as part of the Interstate 5 (I-5) North Stockton Improvement Project.

Brookside Road under I-5 is scheduled to re-open the week of October 15, 2012, once the falsework has been removed.

Swain Road is scheduled to close the week of October 22, 2012, to vehicle traffic while crews work to widen I-5 in the median at that location.

River Road is scheduled to re-open in March, 2013. The closure has been extended due to a delay in construction activities from flood control oversight activities, the availability of equipment and materials and other construction related issues.

These closures are necessary for the safety of motorists during bridge construction. Because of clearances, and the construction activities, there is not enough vertical clearance under these structures for the installation of falsework unless the road is closed.

Caltrans would like to apologize for the inconvenience caused by closing these roads, but assures you it is necessary in order to complete the widening of I-5 prior to starting on Stage 2 of the project. We appreciate drivers’ patience as we work to improve I-5 through Stockton. —
Information provided by Caltrans

Mexico’s Independance Celebrated in Stockton

Coat of arms of Mexico. Español: Escudo Nacional de México.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

(bw) STOCKTON, CA -  Saint Mary’s Church in Stockton California and La Jamaica Hall will host a celebration of  Mexico’s Independence Day Continue reading »

I Have a Voice: Memoirs of Our Community

STOCKTON, CA – Friday, September 14 2012 the Mexican Heritage Center in collaboration with the Bilingual Weekly will host a reception for the exhibition called, I Have a Voice: Memoirs of Our Community.

Continue reading »

I Have a Voice: Danny Thomas Dunne Ruiz

Dunne-Ruiz is a retired police officer from Tracy, author of the Blue Mexican, a novel published in 2009 and currently works as English teacher at San Mary`s High School and the San Joaquin Delta College.

What started as a part time job at the Tracy Police Department, for the young Dunne-Ruiz turned into a police career of twenty years.

“I went from a dispatcher to a patrol man, to detective sergeant.”

Continue reading »